The Buzz: Autism art exhibit runs alongside ‘Dog in the Night-Time’

Alchemia presents autism spectrum art exhibit to coincide with Tony-winning play: This Friday, when Spreckels Theatre Company opens its much-anticipated new production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” (at Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park), the audience will find themselves immersed in the world of the play’s protagonist, Christopher, from the moment they step into building. Thanks to Sonoma County’s Alchemia program - which runs an art studio and gallery on Kentucky Street in Petaluma - Spreckels’ spacious lobby will be filled with paintings, photographs, and drawings created by artists who, like Christopher, are on the autism spectrum.

“It’s so exciting to be able to share this amazing work,” says Liz Jahren, artistic director of Alchemia. Jahren is the curator of the exhibit and also an actor in the play itself. “Since “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is about a young man on the autism spectrum, I thought it would be interesting to show the minds of some of the artists who are going through similar things. The way they process information and choose color and design is very unique.”

One of those artists, Colton Bell, designed the art piece that is featured on the play’s program.

“Colton will also be the primary spokesperson when Alchemia hosts talkback sessions after some of the shows,” Jahren says. “Colton is interested in fantasy and mythical characters, and that shows up in his work in really amazing ways.”

In addition, the exhibit will include works by Cassandra Griffiths, Lauren DiGiovine (of Petaluma), Tesha Tamborski (also of Petaluma), Artur Valitov, James Dushkin and Alex Held. The exhibit will be open throughout the run of the show, which concludes on Sunday, Sept. 30.

The play is adapted from the book by James Haddon, and is directed by Beth Craven. The story focuses on 15-year-old Christopher, an amateur detective, as he uses mathematical ideas to identify the murderer of a neighbor’s dog. In so doing, he discovers unexpected truths about his own life.

“It’s a beautiful play,” says Jahren, who has worked with numerous artists on the spectrum. The pre-show exhibit is titled “A Spectrum of Creativity,” and according to Jahren, will be remounted next year in Petaluma in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.

“The lesson of the play is that anything is possible,” points out Jahren. “Our artists prove that all the time. They use that spectrum of creativity to explore what’s possible in their own lives, and the work they create out of that is extraordinary. I think the community members who attend the play, and see these art pieces, are going to have a very special, very unique experience.”

Learn more about Alchemia at Alchemia.org. To find out details about “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” visit Spreckelsonline.com.

Petaluma’s Krista Gawronski to launch ‘Be Good’ book this weekend: Best known as the founder of The Fabulous Women of Sonoma County, Krista Gawronski has already had one bestseller with her book “Soul Purpose: Finding the Courage to Fly.” Now she’s got a follow-up titled “Be Good: The Heart-Centered Journey,” which will be launched this weekend at a celebratory event in Sebastopol, on Sunday, Sept. 9, from 1-5 p.m. Along with music, food and wine - and, of course, a book signing - the event, to be held at Sova Gardens, 5186 Gravenstein Hwy., will include a raffle to raise money for scholarships designed to encourage youth to explore philanthropic ideas. No reservations are required.

(Have a good idea for a BUZZ item? Drop a line to Community Editor David Templeton at david.templeton@arguscourier.com. For items connected to upcoming events, do give us at least two weeks’ notice.)